The EU-funded fuTOURiSME project, implemented in Cyprus by CARDET, is pleased to announce the results of its Open Call for Innovative Projects. Following a rigorous evaluation process, 12 projects have been selected, each receiving €30,000 in funding to drive digital transformation and sustainability in the tourism sector.
Selected Projects and SMEs from Cyprus:
- iTrip – Innovative Tourism Digital Integration by Knossos Travel.
The iTrip project modernizes Knossos Travel, a top Cypriot agency since 1995, by driving digital transformation and sustainability while preserving cultural identity. It will develop an API Integration System for streamlined operations and a mobile app for customer engagement. Key activities include needs analysis, platform development, and staff training, leading to greater efficiency, improved customer experience, and reduced environmental impact. By digitizing processes, travelers gain personalized itineraries, real-time updates, and deeper cultural connections. Ongoing training and system updates will ensure Knossos Travel remains a leader in sustainable, digital tourism.
- e-MUSE by Hambis Museum of Printmaking
The e-MUSE project transforms the Hambis Museum of Printmaking into a pioneer in sustainable, digital, and inclusive tourism. Founded by renowned printmaker Hambis Tsangaris, the museum preserves Cyprus’ intangible heritage through its unique collections and workshops. The project introduces a Museum Digital Management System (DMS), digitizes the print collection, and develops a Digital Educational Kit (DEK) to enhance accessibility, visitor engagement, and global reach. By adopting the EMAS scheme and digital formats, it reduces environmental impact and supports sustainable tourism. Located in Nicosia’s historic old city, the museum enriches the local economy and offers immersive, interactive experiences. Staff training ensures effective management of digital and sustainability practices, positioning the museum as a global leader in responsible cultural tourism.
- Future Mobility by Panayides and Fekkas Coaches Ltd
The Future Mobility project advances Panayides and Fekkas Coaches Ltd, a leader in bus transfers since 2002, into a new era of sustainable, tech-driven transportation. By integrating real-time GPS tracking, advanced telematics, and a user-friendly web app, it optimizes fleet management, reduces emissions, and enhances passenger experiences. Driver tablets promote eco-friendly driving, minimize delays, and enable dynamic routing, while reporting tools support data-driven decision-making for efficiency and cost savings. This approach strengthens the company’s industry leadership and aligns with sustainable tourism, setting a new standard for environmentally friendly, customer-centric transportation.
- Sustainable Shores by Princess Hotels Development Ltd
Sustainable Shores is transforming Princess Hotels Development Ltd, operator of Radisson Beach Resort Larnaca, by integrating digitalization and sustainability into its operations. The project includes targeted training on sustainability frameworks and digital tools, empowering staff to drive environmental and operational improvements. A custom digital platform streamlines sustainability strategy development, covering materiality assessments, KPI setting, and GHG emissions calculation. External experts assist in creating a comprehensive sustainability strategy, and ISO 26000 verification highlights the resort’s commitment to responsible business. By leveraging digital innovation, Sustainable Shores positions Radisson Beach Resort Larnaca as a leader in green tourism, offering a scalable model for SMEs adopting responsible, tech-driven hospitality practices.
- BluGreen Sustainability Plan by Radisson Blu Hotel
Blue Green is transforming the Radisson Blu Hotel, Larnaca, into a leader in sustainable, tech-driven hospitality by integrating digital solutions with responsible business practices. As an eco-labeled hotel aligned with Radisson Hotel Group’s Responsible Business pillars, it will use a custom digital platform to streamline sustainability strategy development, including materiality assessments, KPI tracking, GHG emissions calculations, and integrated reporting. Targeted training will enhance staff competencies, and external experts will help create a comprehensive sustainability strategy and emissions inventory report. ISO 26000 verification will underscore the hotel’s commitment to continuous improvement, while stakeholder engagement will ensure inclusivity and industry-wide impact. Blue Green elevates the hotel’s environmental performance and sets a new standard for sustainable, digital, and inclusive tourism, inspiring broader transformation across the sector.
- The Heritage Sustainability Project by Agora Lefkara Ltd
The Heritage Sustainability Project guides Agora Lefkara Ltd towards a sustainable, digitally-driven future. Through staff training, a tailored digital solution, and expert guidance, the project integrates sustainability into its operations. It includes creating a sustainability strategy, conducting a GHG emissions inventory, and obtaining ISO 26000 verification. A custom digital platform will manage sustainability efforts, track performance, and support risk assessment for long-term impact. The project promotes inclusivity, engages diverse stakeholders, and shares best practices, positioning The Agora Hotel as a leader in responsible tourism and providing a model for other SMEs.
- Kultura Connect by Tangerine Homes
Through Kultura Connect, Tangerine Homes is redefining Cyprus’s tourism landscape by creating a centralized digital platform that links travelers with authentic, locally curated experiences while promoting sustainable tourism. As a leading provider of high-quality short-term rental accommodations, Tangerine Homes will empower local businesses through onboarding and training, increasing visibility and driving economic growth. The platform’s user-friendly interface, with customizable searches and smart algorithms, will personalize the visitor experience, while curated content highlighting Cypriot culture, nature, and heritage deepens cultural immersion. By encouraging eco-conscious travel and directing visitors to lesser-known areas, Kultura Connect reduces pressure on overcrowded destinations and supports balanced regional development. Ongoing partnerships, targeted marketing campaigns, and continuous platform evolution ensure long-term impact, establishing Tangerine Homes as a trailblazer in experiential, inclusive, and sustainable tourism, delivering value to both travelers and local communities alike.
- ImMERSuRA by TRAVEL BOX T.B. Ltd
The ImMERSuRA project is transforming TRAVEL BOX T.B. Ltd, a Cyprus-based tourism SME with over a decade of experience, by focusing on sustainable, community-driven tourism. The project will develop new community-led experiential tours, forge local partnerships, and implement a marketing plan to create meaningful experiences for both travelers and local communities. Key initiatives include acquiring an online booking system, obtaining sustainable certification, and standardizing practices with a manual of procedures. These efforts will promote sustainable practices, enhance customer satisfaction, and support local economies. By integrating sustainability and digitalization, the project positions TRAVEL BOX T.B. Ltd as a leader in responsible tourism, fostering cultural immersion, empowering local communities, and improving operational efficiency through technology.
- WASD-AI by Crowne Plaza Limassol
The WASD-AI Project is enhancing Crowne Plaza Limassol’s commitment to sustainability, a key player in Cyprus’s hospitality industry, by integrating AI-powered waste management with sustainable practices. The project will develop and deploy the WASD-AI app, using real-time data and AI image recognition to monitor, categorize, and analyze waste, optimizing resource use and reducing waste generation. Staff training and the pursuit of EMAS certification will further strengthen the hotel’s environmental efforts. By integrating the WASD-AI app into daily operations and utilizing data-driven insights, the project ensures long-term impact. Additionally, the project’s results and best practices will be shared to inspire wider industry adoption, fostering a collaborative approach to sustainable waste management.
- SWIFT by BookYourWeddingDay.com
The SWIFT project is revolutionizing the wedding tourism industry through BookYourWeddingDay.com (BYWD) by enhancing its innovative SaaS platform with AI, automation, and global expansion. This project offers a seamless, eco-friendly experience for couples, venues, and agents by streamlining the planning process, reducing paper-based workflows, and promoting sustainable practices. SWIFT sets a new benchmark for digitalization and sustainability in the industry, empowering SMEs, expanding market reach, and ensuring long-term benefits by improving efficiency and fostering inclusivity. It positions BYWD as a transformative solution in wedding tourism.
- futurANIMA by Animafest Cyprus
The futurANIMA project is enhancing Animafest Cyprus, the island’s leading animation festival, by improving visitor experience and operational efficiency. The project will develop a cutting-edge website with interactive features, including a detailed event calendar, real-time updates, and educational animated videos, improving accessibility for all audiences and reducing environmental impact by minimizing printed materials. By integrating digital innovation and sustainability, the project ensures a seamless, eco-friendly experience for visitors while supporting the local economy. With a strong focus on inclusivity and sustainability, Animafest Cyprus is setting a new standard for cultural tourism, making it a global, responsible, and accessible cultural destination.
The PEAK Project aims to elevate Troodos Hotel and the surrounding Troodos Mountains as a premier sustainable tourism destination. By achieving EMAS certification, Troodos Hotel will enhance its environmental performance. The project also includes clustering training for local SMEs, pine-based workshops promoting regenerative tourism, and the development of a 360-degree virtual tour website with QR codes for enhanced digital engagement. These initiatives, along with a focus on inclusivity and long-term community collaboration, position the Troodos Mountains as a leader in sustainable, digital, and experiential tourism, fostering environmental awareness and economic growth in the region.
On the 26th of March, the Kick-off Meeting for the fuTOURiSME project took place, bringing together the project managers of the winning initiatives. During the meeting, next steps and guidelines for the projects were discussed.
fuTOURiSME is co-funded by the Single Market Programme and aims to support SMEs in the experiential tourism sector as they recover from the impact of COVID-19. By fostering new business models, innovative services, upskilling, and the adoption of digital and sustainable solutions, the project helps businesses adapt to the evolving socio-economic landscape.
Stay tuned for updates as these projects take shape and contribute to the transformation of Cyprus’ tourism industry!
For more information about the program, visit the website: fuTOURiSME
